William Eichler 19 September 2017

New rules strengthen standards for councillors and mayors

Anyone found guilty of serious crimes will be banned from serving on local councils under new rules, local government minister says.

Marcus Jones yesterday set out his plans to strengthen the criteria which determines whether someone is fit for public office at the local level.

Under the current rules, anyone convicted of an offence carrying a prison sentence of more than three months is banned from serving as a local councillor.

The new rules state that anyone given an Anti Social Behaviour Injunction, a Criminal Behaviour Order or added to the sex offenders’ register will not be able to hold elected office in their communities.

‘Councillors hold an important position of trust and authority in communities across England. We need to hold them to the highest possible standards,’ Mr Jones said.

‘The current rules are letting residents and councils down by not preventing people who should never be considered for such roles from standing for election.

‘The changes the government is proposing would help make sure anyone convicted of a serious crime, regardless of whether it comes with a custodial sentence, will not be able to serve as a councillor.’

Banning urban pesticide use image

Banning urban pesticide use

RSPB and PAN are working on a letter from local councillors calling on the Government to introduce a national ban on urban pesticide use. Find out more below.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Payroll Manager

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£46,014 to £55,758 per annum
About the role You will have a set of on-going responsibilities which will vary depending on the needs of the team. The responsibilities include (but not limited to) to
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Family Worker Link Role - 12 month FTC

Essex County Council
£30931 - £35362 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Defined Benefits Pension
Family Worker Link RoleFixed Term, Full Time£30,931 to £35,362 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Strategic Risk and Insurance Manager

Wakefield Council
£56,685.00, Grade 14
Wakefield is situated in West Yorkshire with excellent rail and motorway links to the north and south, including London. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Adults Social Worker - Organisational Safeguarding

Essex County Council
£36101 - £48622 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid
Why Join Us? With us, you can achieve more - for yourself as well as the vulnerable adults you work to support. We're always looking for new ways t England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Principal Policy Officer

Westminster City Council
£53,109 - £72,669 per annum
Innovation and Change in Westminster City Council is a world of extraordinary stories. Westminster City Hall 64 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP
Recuriter: Westminster City Council
Linkedin Banner

Partner Content

Circular highways is a necessity not an aspiration – and it’s within our grasp

Shell is helping power the journey towards a circular paving industry with Shell Bitumen LT R, a new product for roads that uses plastics destined for landfill as part of the additives to make the bitumen.

Support from Effective Energy Group for Local Authorities to Deliver £430m Sustainable Warmth Funded Energy Efficiency Projects

Effective Energy Group is now offering its support to the 40 Local Authorities who have received a share of the £430m to deliver their projects on the ground by surveying properties and installing measures.

Pay.UK – the next step in Bacs’ evolution

Dougie Belmore explains how one of the main interfaces between you and Bacs is about to change.